High extraction force ball socket

Abstract

A ball socket for connection with a ball stud resists accidental pull-out of the ball stud. The ball socket achieves relatively low insertion force but relatively high pull-out force resistance.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A socket adapted to receive a ball stud having a spherical ball, the socket comprising:
 a collar; and 
 resilient tabs attached to and extending radially inward from the collar, the resilient tabs having ends defining an opening for receiving spherical ball, each end comprising:
 a journal area extending at an angle relative to a remainder of the resilient tab, the journal area comprising:
 a first ball contact surface defining a first hail receiving opening of a diameter D; and 
 a second bald contact surface, the second ball contact surface being spaced apart from the first ball contact surface, and defining a second ball receiving opening of a diameter greater than the diameter D; 
 
 
 a center adapted to align with the center of the spherical ball; 
 wherein the journal area has a transition surface between the first ball contact surface and the second ball contract surface; and 
 wherein the distance from the center to the transition surface is greater than the distance from the center to the first ball contact surface and is greater than the distance from the center to the second ball contact surface.